The pigeons we house are from the “ Oude van Loon “ breed. Known to be flying extremely fast in the South-East of Holland. At the comb: van de Werf from Berghem and H. van de Werf from Oss. These two pro-pigeon keepers are the suppliers of our original pigeons, and of course our knowledge!

From 1985 my father and I regularly visited Van De Werf senior and junior. This was always a very educational experience. From then, on a regular base, pigeons were brought to Rotterdam, young birds or older breeders.For example the “42” being the father of the “13” and the “30” and the best known of the three must be the “98”. These bloodlines are still one of the best. Also the “White head” (Bonte van Haaren). The old breeding couple “van Jonkers” (keeper van Loon) got to stay with us to enjoy the rest of their happy life.

In 1986 A.J. van Berkel senior and junior started to race these pigeons in the category young pigeons.This was rewarded with the first championship young pigeons.

In the following years always in the champions in our own group as in both “Linkermaasoever”(LMO) and Groot-Rotterdam. The first super pigeon is the NL 1989.1281486 this one flew 10 first prices and the “12 of Chantilly” over 23000 pigeons, in three years!

This one came from NL.88.2179971 being one from the nest with 88.2179972, the father of the "Silver Shadow"and his brothers and sisters.

And this “ Super Breeding Couple “ is moved to the family Eijerkamp. Family Eijerkamp on their turn made the “ Silver Shadow “ world famous in the world of pigeons!

Maintenance & presentation .

The maintenance of the pigeons. Start with daily cleaning, once a day.

Cleaning is done during the daily training. Training the male birds exists from one hour flight with the flag on the pen. When the flag is removed the birds are allowed to fly for half an hour.After that they go inside for their feeding, this happens once a day.

The training of the female birds is almost the same as the male. But after one hour of flight they have to come in. They also are being fed once a day.

The young pigeons are mostly born in the winter and they are kept in the dark after feeding. Until two or three weeks before first flight,this is done. The young birds train separately from the other pigeons for about one or two hour a day. And are maintained by my wife, so there are not a lot of shy pigeons on our loft.

Besides that,all pigeons get a weekly bath.

We follow the total-widow game-method where they used to follow the classic-widow game. I personally think this is the best method with more and more female birds in the top rankings.

BeijingThe Beijing Race China 2006

On October 24, 2006 the 500km race was held. There we had the 1st Dutch pigeon 06-2162978 but also the 2nd European pigeon. On October 18, 2006 the 400km race with 06-2162978 coming in 3rd Dutch and also 6th European. The 240km training flight brought 06-2162978 3rd place Holland and 7th European. And on the 200km training flight we had the 1st Dutch and also 1st European pigeon with 06-2162969. The 120km training flight 06-2162969 10th Dutch and 19th European. The 80km training flight 06-2162706 flew 1st Dutch and 2nd European. This was a very good experience with racing our “ van Loon “ pigeons in the Beijing China Race!